Star Wars: Ahsoka

Fans have long wondered what happened to Ahsoka after she left the Jedi Order near the end of the Clone Wars and before she reappeared as the mysterious Rebel operative Fulcrum in Rebels. Finally her story will begin to be told. Following her experiences with the Jedi and the devastation of Order 66, Ahsoka is unsure she can be part of a larger whole ever again. But her desire to fight the evils of the Empire and protect those who need it will lead her right to Bail Organa - and the Rebel Alliance.

Into the Void: Star Wars Legends (Dawn of the Jedi)

On the planet Tython, the ancient Je’daii order was founded. And at the feet of its wise Masters, Lanoree Brock learned the mysteries and methods of the Force - and found her calling as one of its most powerful disciples. But as strongly as the Force flowed within Lanoree and her parents, it remained absent in her brother, who grew to despise and shun the Je’daii, and whose training in its ancient ways ended in tragedy. Now, from her solitary life as a Ranger keeping order across the galaxy, Lanoree has been summoned by the Je’daii Council on a matter of utmost urgency.

Catalyst (Star Wars): A Rogue One Novel

The must-have prequel novel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - the upcoming film, set before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope, that reveals the untold story of the rebel effort to steal the plans to the Death Star!

Into the Void: Star Wars Legends (Dawn of the Jedi)

On the planet Tython, the ancient Je’daii order was founded. And at the feet of its wise Masters, Lanoree Brock learned the mysteries and methods of the Force - and found her calling as one of its most powerful disciples. But as strongly as the Force flowed within Lanoree and her parents, it remained absent in her brother, who grew to despise and shun the Je’daii, and whose training in its ancient ways ended in tragedy. Now, from her solitary life as a Ranger keeping order across the galaxy, Lanoree has been summoned by the Je’daii Council on a matter of utmost urgency.

Star Wars: The Old Republic: Fatal Alliance

Tassaa Bareesh, a matriarch in the Hutt crime cartel, is holding an auction that’s drawing attention from across the galaxy. Representatives of both the Republic and the Sith Empire are present, along with a Jedi Padawan sent to investigate, a disenfranchised trooper drummed out of the Republic’s elite Blackstar Squad, and a mysterious Mandalorian with a private agenda.

Path of Destruction: Star Wars Legends (Darth Bane)

Once the Sith order teemed with followers. But their rivalries divided them in endless battles for supremacy - until one dark lord at last united the Sith in the quest to enslave the galaxy and exterminate the Jedi. Yet it would fall to another, far more powerful than the entire Brotherhood of Darkness, to ultimately realize the full potential of the Sith, and wield the awesome power of the dark side as never before.

Five years after the Death Star was destroyed and Darth Vader and the Emperor were defeated, the galaxy is struggling to heal the wounds of war, Princess Leia and Han Solo are married and expecting twins, and Luke Skywalker has become the first in a long-awaited line of new Jedi Knights. But thousands of light-years away, the last of the Emperor’s warlords - the brilliant and deadly Grand Admiral Thrawn - has taken command of the shattered Imperial fleet, readied it for war, and pointed it at the fragile heart of the New Republic....

Star Wars: Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth

The Separatist Alliance, with ruthlessness and treachery, is beating the Republic to every strategic target. But after a costly clash with General Grievous for the planet Kothlis, Anakin has a mission that will focus his anxious mind. Alongside Obi-Wan Kenobi, he is posing as a long-lost native of Lanteeb, an impoverished world on the Outer Rim. This seemingly unimportant planet has drawn the interest of the Seps and Anakin, and Obi-Wan soon discover the disturbing reason.

Star Wars: Specter of the Past: The Hand of Thrawn, Book 1

The Empire stands at the brink of total collapse. But they have saved their most heinous plan for last. First a plot is hatched that could destroy the New Republic in a bloodbath of genocide and civil war. Then comes the shocking news that Grand Admiral Thrawn--the most cunning and ruthless warlord in history--has apparently returned from the dead to lead the Empire to a long-prophesied victory.

Aftermath: Star Wars: Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens

The second Death Star has been destroyed, the emperor killed, and Darth Vader struck down. Devastating blows against the Empire and major victories for the Rebel Alliance. But the battle for freedom is far from over. As the Empire reels from its critical defeats at the Battle of Endor, the Rebel Alliance - now a fledgling New Republic - presses its advantage by hunting down the enemy's scattered forces before they can regroup and retaliate. But above the remote planet Akiva, an ominous show of the enemy's strength is unfolding.

Outcast: Star Wars Legends (Fate of the Jedi)

After a violent civil war and the devastation wrought by the now-fallen Darth Caedus, the Galactic Alliance is in crisis and in need. From all corners, politicians, power brokers, and military leaders converge on Coruscant for a crucial summit to restore order, negotiate differences, and determine the future of their unified worlds. But even more critical, and far more uncertain, is the future of the Jedi.

Kir Kanos TN says:"This Series has Potential, but off to a slow start"

Empire's End: Aftermath: Star Wars

Following Star Wars: Aftermath and Star Wars: Life Debt, Chuck Wendig delivers the exhilarating conclusion to the New York Times best-selling trilogy set in the years between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens.

Publisher's Summary

The Republic has fallen. Sith Lords rule the galaxy. Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi has lost everything….Everything but hope.

Tatooine - a harsh desert world where farmers toil in the heat of two suns while trying to protect themselves and their loved ones from the marauding Tusken Raiders. A backwater planet on the edge of civilized space. And an unlikely place to find a Jedi Master in hiding, or an orphaned infant boy on whose tiny shoulders rests the future of a galaxy.

Known to locals only as "Ben," the bearded and robed offworlder is an enigmatic stranger who keeps to himself, shares nothing of his past, and goes to great pains to remain an outsider. But as tensions escalate between the farmers and a tribe of Sand People led by a ruthless war chief, Ben finds himself drawn into the fight, endangering the very mission that brought him to Tatooine.

Ben - Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, hero of the Clone Wars, traitor to the Empire, and protector of the galaxy's last hope - can no more turn his back on evil than he can reject his Jedi training. And when blood is unjustly spilled, innocent lives threatened, and a ruthless opponent unmasked, Ben has no choice but to call on the wisdom of the Jedi - and the formidable power of the Force - in his never-ending fight for justice.

Tatooine. Some call it the cradle of the Star Wars universe. It's home to the creatures the fans know and love: Jawas, Banthas, Sarlaccs, Krayt Dragons, and Tusken Raiders. And now it is the home of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker.

Beginning shortly before the end credits roll on Revenge of the Sith and covering the ground in the first weeks after the movie, this book reveals the long-awaited tale of Kenobi's transition from venerable Jedi Master to "just a crazy old hermit." As one might expect, it's not easy to simply stop being who you are, and "Ben" finds himself neck-deep in settlement affairs and sand people attacks before he knows it. The end result is all the heart of an old western and the storytelling magic of Star Wars as John Jackson Miller gives us a look into the depths of the soul of a failed hero.

Narrated by Star Wars audiobook veteran Jonathan Davis, this book is given an even greater depth thanks to a bona fide performance. To be honest, I was hoping for a full one-man show from James Arnold Taylor, who voices Kenobi on The Clone Wars, but Davis' performance is strong enough to stand on its own for the right reasons. The strength of both writing and narration allow one to simply get sucked in and see it play out on the movie screen of the mind. Perhaps I'm a bit biased, but that's what happens for me when Star Wars returns to its roots within the scope of the film saga and finally expands out our understanding of one of its central characters.

While technically a stand-alone adventure, the very nature of the story is that it requires a familiarity with the films to fully appreciate it. But then, if you're not already a fan, why would you be reading this book? As one who is a little more deeply entrenched into the EU, I can say without really spoiling anything about the plot that canon cops are going to be screaming over the rather important reference to Sharad Hett. If you don't know who that is, don't worry - it gets explained, and it works within the scope of the story well. There's just that one tiny point that will irk the diehards specifically because of how woven it is into the backstory. For myself, I don't let it bother me. I found it to be a rather cool nod to an early prequel era comic, and let's be honest here: neither the novels nor the comics are actually canon. Forget this "layers of canon" nonsense, because Star Wars is the only franchise where the younger fans haven't figured it out yet. Regardless... it's a non-issue to the plot of this story. I will simply say this instead, that much like with Darth Plagueis, this book should probably be elevated to a higher level closer to the canon of the films because of the material it does cover.

What IS an issue to the plot of this story is an inside look at the culture of the sand people. As with other appearances of this race here and there throughout the EU, they are suitably creepy and fearsome, and it's a treat for this fan to get a story revolving around them.

One tiny personal disappointment I do have, and this is a bit of a character spoiler, but not a plot spoiler, is that Kenobi at no time learns that Darth Vader is still alive. I was hoping to have this scene, but perhaps they'll leave that for another story. There is no Vader in this story; it's Kenobi-centric, and all that implies. Tatooine is remote, after all, and the news travels slowly. A sense of how slowly is depicted here.

To make up for that tiny little disappointment, what we're given is a range of characters, most of them moisture farmers, who are actually interesting. These characters are so well written that you come to care for their plight in short order, which connects you to Kenobi as he fights his instincts to get involved.

I'll also add that I am a huge fan of ironic justice, and the ending of this book just works for me. It's brilliant, it's huge, and it's a bit disconcerting, and I'll say no more about that.

From there, you sprinkle in a few well-placed classic Ben Burtt sound effects and musical cues from the maestro John Williams, and what you have is one of the better written, better performed, and better produced Star Wars audiobooks on record. I've heard it said in early reviews that it's perhaps better than Darth Plagueis. I don't know that I'd go quite that far, but it is an excellent companion novel to Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader, covering pretty much the same time frame and type of character transition in the wake of Ep. III.

Bottom line, in terms of importance to the EU and caliber of quality, this is one of the best in the line, and one that the fans simply must have.

I have listened to literally dozens of audio books based on the Star Wars Universe and this has got to be the best one yet. Jonathan Davis should win an award for his amazing reading of this book and John Jackson Miller hit the perfect pitch with this book. Perfect companion to discover what happened to old crazy Ben after dropping off Luke with the Owens in Episode III. Nice references little references to the other elements of the expanded Star Wars universe in comics, books, and movies.

Where does Kenobi rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I place it among the top 10%

What did you like best about this story?

It was different than a typical Star Wars book. It is a small and intimate story without a great evil power or epic space battles. I enjoyed the change.

What does Jonathan Davis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Jonathan Davis did an excellent job making each character sound distinct and bringing them to life. The audio version (as the Star Wars versions do) also had background audio -- when someone pours a drink, you hear a drink being poured, but it didn't overpower Jonathan Davis' performance.When voicing Obi-Wan, Jonathan Davis sounded exactly like Ewan McGregor's Obi-Wan. I have a hard time believing he wasn't brought in to do some of the voice acting. If it really was Jonathan Davis, he did an incredible job.

Any additional comments?

I haven't read (or listened to) a Star Wars book in a long time, but this one sounded interesting. One reviewer described it like the 1985 Clint Eastwood movie "Pale Rider", and I agree. It was essentially a Western and not a typical Star Wars science fiction book. No space travel or big starship battles. It wasn't "the future of the universe turns on these events" kind of story.

Instead it was a rather small, intimate story set on Tatooine right after Obi-Wan Kenobi (now going by Ben Kenobi) drops off the baby Luke Skywalker with his aunt & uncle. Ben Kenobi tries to settle into a hermit's life near a small settlement, trying not to draw attention to himself or reveal himself as a Jedi Knight (which would draw the Empire's attention to him and Luke). But of course there are attacks by Tusken Raiders, bad guys to deal with, the harsh conditions of Tatooine itself, and a little romantic tension thrown in.

Caring for people and righting wrongs while remaining as aloof and as anonymous as possible are Ben's challenges. It was a nice change of pace for a Star Wars story.

Would you consider the audio edition of Kenobi to be better than the print version?

The Star Wars audiobooks narrated by Marc Thompson and Jonathan Davis are always fantastic. Their voices capture the different characters and species amazingly well through out the whole performance. Music and sound affects from the movies is provided at appropiate places complimenting the fantastic storyline.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Kenobi?

Obi-wan's first trip to the Claim.

Which character – as performed by Jonathan Davis – was your favorite?

Jonathan Davis does a true credit to Obi-wan but his performance as the antagonist Oran Galt resonates. Preception of Galt slowly sifts throughout the novel and Davis carries this remarkaly well so that even as Galt's character shifts you see the traces of the person he once was, is precieved to be and the villan he becomes.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Obi-wan's strength and moral intergrity. Even in the face of what he's lost and when confronted by an evil similar to what he's just escaped Obi-wan refuses to surrender who he is to the Dark Side, there is a moment when he can take out his loss, sorrow and grief on another and once again choose to do what is right.

Any additional comments?

There are too few books that do true credit to the character of Obi-wan Kenobi. Even in the movies his story is shadowed by another. In Episode I he is the apprentice to a great Jedi Master. In Episode II and III while a Master in his own right he is overshadowed by Anakin's deeds and powers, and the audience is enraptured by Anakin decline. Respected throughout the Jedi Order, Obi-wan is considered the ultimate Jedi, one who embodied all a Jedi is supposed to be. Star Wars Kenobi caputres that core essence of who he is and provides reasonable explanations for how the Ewan McGregor character evolved into the cray wizard and hermit Alec Guinness supposedly is when first introduced at the begining of a A New Hope.

At the end of Episode III, Obi-Wan Kenobi is forced into hiding after believing that he killed Anakin in their confrontation. He took with him the infant Luke Skywalker and pledged to watch over him until the time was right. Episode VI (or, to us Gen-xer's, Star Wars) sees "Crazy Old Ben" Kenobi pulled out of hiding to finally lead the teen age Luke back out into space to fulfill his destiny.

In between, we have been left to wonder how Obi-Wan became Ben and what life was like for him. This book gives us, at last, the first part of the answer. Set in the months following the end of Episode III, John Jackson Miller takes us on a journey to see how Kenobi struggles to transform himself from the galactic hero to hidden away hermit. The change is not a smooth one for a man used to throwing himself into the action and coming to the rescue of those in need.

The book has been, I think fairly, been called more of a Western rather than a true "Star Wars" novel. But, in truth, it must be what it is in order to successfully deliver Kenobi's story. Tatooine is a remote world where the events of the Republic/Empire are largely third hand tales and life is governed by the efforts to "farm" moisture from the dry desert air while the real threats come from the Hutt's who run the planet and the native Sand People who fight the settlers over it.

The story is largely successful and mostly convincing. Where the story does fall short is in the final acts. The action becomes excessively complicated and feels like something Lucas would throw together as a bunch of unnecessary "wiz-bang". The final disposition of Kenobi, while it ends as it does because continuity requires it, doesn't really get him there in a way I could quite buy into. To say more would spoil things. Overall, it is worth checking out, so I don't want to give too much away.

As is my custom, I consumed this as an audiobook. As has been the case of late, the audio production is superb, and Johnathan Davis, as I've come to expect, does an excellent job bringing these characters to life. He is especially convincing as Kenobi - an iconic voice well known thanks to Ewan MacGregor and James Arnold Taylor's portrayals in the movies and Clone Wars TV series. Davis picks up Kenobi's voice and mannerisms seemlessly and probably makes me give this story it's fourth star when I might have been inclined to just give it three.

Would you try another book from John Jackson Miller and/or Jonathan Davis?

Definitely Jonathan Davis. It will depend on what the subject matter John Jackson Miller writes about as to whether I would read another one of his books or not

Would you recommend Kenobi to your friends? Why or why not?

For the die hard Star Wars fan, yes. But for the casual fan, I would recommend 'Darth Plagueis' instead. While the narration was well done and the story well written, there was nothing extraordinary about it. I found nothing revelational about this particular story of Ben (Obi Wan) Kenobi's residency on Tatooine. I expected maybe a revelation that Darth Vader (a.k.a. Anakin Skwalker) had survived their epic encounter or maybe a mentioning of atrocities committed by the newly formed Empire. But, there was hardly a mentioning except regarding known events that occurred in Episode III. We hear his one sided conversations with Qui Gon Jinn, but don't hear his former master's reply. Ben is there to keep vigil while Luke Skywalker grows up, but is evidently doing so at a distance. This story also conveys that Obi Wan is for the most part in an information vacuum in the outer rim on Tatooine. And the story makes it pretty obvious that the will of the Force is to make sure that Ben's true identity as a Jedi Knight is kept a secret, no matter how much trouble he finds himself in.

What does Jonathan Davis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Jonathan Davis does a fantastic job of pacing the story as well as varying up the voices enough that you know who is speaking without having to hear or read "Said, such and such character." The sound effects and music that accompany his narration of Star Wars audio books also lends to the telling of the story.

Did Kenobi inspire you to do anything?

You mean like hiding out in the desert and talking to ghosts of former mentors? LOL! Not really.

Any additional comments?

LIke I mentioned before, Kenobi is a well written Star Wars story, but unfortunately, it isn't very exciting. There are a lot better Star Wars novels to choose from than 'Kenobi.'

Where does Kenobi rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Somewhere in the middle.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kenobi... duh, he was the only real character that had any... character.

Which character – as performed by Jonathan Davis – was your favorite?

Keboi

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book made me cringe. Some of the characters where pretty cookie-cutter and very predictable.

Any additional comments?

If it wasn't for the superb narration by Johnathan Davis, I would have scored this audio book much lower. I can imagine if anyone bought the e-book or paperback version of this story they would have been pretty bored. Johnathan does a great job keeping you engaged and breathed life into an otherwise C- book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The ending leaves you satisfied...

Any additional comments?

Great Character driven scenes and John Jackson Miller makes Tattooine shine brighter than its two suns. For the past years, Jonathan Davis has always been the perfect for Kenobi; he gets better every time!

I could have done, but it made perfect listening going to and from work, Made the journey home in the rain fly by.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Reviews101

St Leonards-On-Sea

2/28/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Slow in places, but picks up the pace"

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Get past the dull hick stuff at the start, then it enthrals. Fantastic background sound effects, straight from the movies. Even Chewbacca's in there briefly!

What did you like best about this story?

The first few chapters about the social lives of the 'moisture farmers' in Ben Kenobi's area was pretty dull and hard going. But improved when the pace picked up. The sections about Kenobi and the tuskens were by far the best. Carried on the events after Episode III quite nicely.

What about Jonathan Davis’s performance did you like?

Excellent. And Kenobi (McGregor's) accent was spot on.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

More so as the book progressed.

Any additional comments?

Difficult brief for authors doing tie-in stories - you have to make sure you don't cross any 'canon' elements from the movies. Good job, overall.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

J

1/21/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Kenobi Ok"

Interesting plot set after the end of Episode 3, Kenobi has to figure out how to handle life not being a Jedi anymore, not a brilliant story but good because it is an original tale and probably tells you what a being an everyday Jedi is all about after war.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Patrik Karlsson

12/2/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"wish it was more.. Star wars like"

At times it felt like a story of British colonisers in say, south Africa more than a star wars story. Finished it, not because i wanted to, more because I had to see if it got better.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

jonathan jordan-july

9/15/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Not a good example."

Would you try another book written by John Jackson Miller or narrated by Jonathan Davis?

I suspect John Jackson Miller is a new author so I wouldn't prejudge him. As time goes by and he releases material it is very likely that he'll improve; especially if he listens to his readers. I enjoyed Jonathan's performance of the material and the extra sound effects... but the book itself was a disappointment.

What was most disappointing about John Jackson Miller’s story?

Being a Jedi is a hook. It was my reason for buying the book. I always wondered what old Ben Kenobi had done out there in the wilderness for all those years. I wanted to understand more of what being a Jedi did to your character and thought processes. What did he think of his failure to bring Anakin around? How much did he understand about Palpatine's influence and Anakin's insecurities? How stoic was he? How deep did the stoicism go in his Jedi training? How resourceful would that make him emotionally? How far did his amiable nature take him in dealing with others in a desert like Tatooine and maybe even a little backstory on Ben/Obi Wan the man. His parents.... friendships in the order, desires, dreams, regrets unrelated to the Anakin issue. I didn't get them. Also the characters John wrote were petty.... a shop keeper with a "bad" temper that wasn't really so bad. He didn't give her any feminine mystique at all. He barely even described her beside auburn hair tending toward brown as she got older. Was there ANY physical attribute that would attract a man to her? We didn't get any of the things that might have lured a romantic interest ... we also didn't get any clue to the wiles women might use (or advice she might have taken) or their rationalisations for using them to attract a man like Ben. The bad guy was an utter disappointment. I won't go into detail because he was just WRONG and any editor or regular reader would know why. The action wasn't very good either. No understanding of combat was conveyed. The flourish of a lightsabre... the concerns of aiming a blaster, the differences of the Tuscan weapons.... just basic mistakes that John should have had pointed out to him. The appearance of the Crate Dragon was so laughable I really couldn't believe he went there. And SO badly. On the whole I don't imagine that John understands the benefits of Jedi training and as such couldn't convey a convincing Kenobi character.

It is unfortunate but there are too many things wrong with the story to list. The botched intimidation by Jabba's guys in Mos Eisley, the failure to make any headway into why Annie's kids were so attention seeking or any true conversations between her & them addressing the issue. The predictable but absent scene where Annie's daughter offers herself to Ben. The conversation between Ben and Annie's son... that also should have appeared but didn't. Any physical descriptions of ANY women in this story.

He could benefit from good advice on what to concentrate on in any future work.

What does Jonathan Davis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Good narration is like a working raincoat. You only notice it if it doesn't work or works far better than you expected. Joe Abercrombie had a Narrator on The First Law series that added to his work immeasurably. Jonathan Davis did a good job. I cannot fault him. .

You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I'm glad someone wrote about Ben's adventures. I'm hoping someone does it well. I always meant to find time to read some of the Star Wars books... I'm just sad that this was my first experience of it.

Redeeming qualities? John isn't a terrible writer. The book isn't terrible. I wasn't good though. No I can't think of a redeeming quality because it was bland, unimaginative and a waste of my time.

Any additional comments?

I'm sad that Authors are not given more support. This is the publishers failure as much as the authors. There ought to be more advice and suggestion to allow a better product. It didn't need to be this bad.

3 of 5 people found this review helpful

Harry

11/27/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"some parts slow but good overall"

some parts are a bit slow but overall a very good book, just dont go in with the expectation that it would be an obi-wan focused book.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Patrik

10/19/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"brilliant to legends fans and new EU alike."

I really hope they make a McGregor film based on this story. it would be absolutely perfect.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

uk

9/21/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"good book"

nice story of kenobis early days before a new hope. a good read for any star wars fan.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

marc

9/18/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"A Jedi in exile..."

A stunning story and a very good performance!

This needs to be a Star Wars standalone feature movie.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

sara Thomson

9/11/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Excellent story amazing presentation."

An excellent story for fans performed by a master of voices. Would recommend for any Star Wars fan.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Report Inappropriate Content

If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.